Businessman in Utah County charged with tax evasion

The owner of a Utah County roofing company has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of tax evasion.

Last Wednesday, a grand jury returned two counts of tax evasion against David Roger Hemmert, owner of Northwind Roofing Co. According to the indictment, Hemmert owes the federal government about $200,000 for the 2001 and 2002 tax years.

"The vast majority of Utah taxpayers pay their fair share of taxes," said U.S. Attorney for Utah Brett Tolman. "They deserve to know that individuals who commit tax crimes will be held accountable."

The indictment alleges that Hemmert, who managed his business, prepared and filed a tax return stating his taxable income for 2001 was zero in order to evade paying taxes. The IRS claims Hemmert's taxable income was in excess of $300,000. Hemmert is also accused of reporting his 2002 taxable income as $4,261 when again his taxable income was in excess of $300,000.

Hemmert is considered innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison.